STATEMENT OF NEED / TARGET AUDIENCE

Colorectal cancer is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in oncology. Published results from a plethora of ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic techniques, agents and changes in the indications for existing treatments. In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — the practicing gastrointestinal surgeon must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Colorectal Cancer Update for Surgeons utilizes one-on-one discussions with leading colorectal cancer investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists gastrointestinal surgeons in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Critically evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in colorectal cancer treatment in order to incorporate these data into local and systemic management strategies in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic disease settings.
• Evaluate strategies for integrating targeted therapies into the treatment algorithm for colorectal cancer in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic settings.
• Describe the risks and benefits of various surgical approaches to primary and metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of neoadjuvant systemic therapy with appropriate patients with colorectal cancer who present with an asymptomatic primary tumor and synchronous hepatic metastases or isolated metastatic recurrence to the liver.
• Counsel patients with colorectal cancer receiving bevacizumab as part of a neoadjuvant/adjuvant systemic therapy regimen about potential treatment side effects, including surgical and wound-healing complications.
• Describe and implement an algorithm for medical and radiation oncology referral for appropriately selected patients with colorectal cancer for consideration of systemic therapy.
• Evaluate the emerging research data on various adjuvant chemotherapy approaches, including the use of oxaliplatin-containing regimens and the use of capecitabine or intravenous 5-FU.
• Evaluate emerging research data on various neoadjuvant radiation therapy/chemotherapy approaches for rectal cancer and explain the absolute risks and benefits of these regimens to patients.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF COLORECTAL CANCER UPDATE FOR SURGEONS

The purpose of Issue 1 of Colorectal Cancer Update for Surgeons is to support these global objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Wolmark, Ellis and Hochster on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of colorectal cancer.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY

This CME activity contains an audio component. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the CME information and complete the Post-test and Evaluation Form located in the back of this book or on our website, ColorectalCancerUpdate.com/Surgeons.

This program is supported by education grants from Genentech BioOncology and Sanofi-Aventis.

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